Nigerian poet Ben Okri says: “We are stories that we tell ourselves.” The Artscape Theatre Centre will come alive with stories in August and September, in celebration of Heritage month.
While Heritage Month means different things for different people, Artscape will be celebrating heritage by telling stories and considering how narratives are reflected orally, written and in creative forms.
Through various disciplines, Artscape will question identity, with a focus on “who we are, what we are and what we have been”, encouraging young and old alike to reclaim and restore the important stories of our heritage, to challenge misappropriations and find healing.
Some of the highlights of the festival include a new piece by Indoni Academy Dancers, Inkundla, which looks at the “theatre of life” and Siembamba, a multilingual play which explores the life of a black domestic worker and the white child she helped raise.
Choirs from around the province will take to the stage alongside the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra on Sunday, 13 September for the Western Cape Choral Music Association’s (WeCCMA) 2015 Choral Music Eisteddfod.
Fans of more contemporary sounds will be thrilled to hear that Freshlyground’s Zolani Mahola, rock queen, Karen Zoid and soprano Zanne Stapelberg will be bringing their hit show, Zanne, Zoid and Zolani to Artscape as part of the festival.
Back by popular demand Izityhilelo Zobuze by Lingua Franca will explore the concept of circumstantial inheritance through sensational poetry and music from Thursday, 17 to Saturday 26, September while Words of War by Anele Rusi will tell stories of our heritage and history through inspiring poetry and songs of celebration.
Much of South Africa’s heritage is tied up in the stories of our neighbouring countries, a point proven by Born Around Here, a production by Botswana’s Company@Maitisong. The piece tells the often unknown story of Botswana and other neighbouring countries contribution to the struggle for freedom in South Africa through the eyes of Botswana family.
Away from the stage, Artscape will host a dialogue titled “Connecting Creatives” on Heritage Day while Artscape’s Tunnel will become the backdrop for Ngokomzekeliso Wakhe (In His Image) – a performance art installation by a multi-award winner Chuma Sopotela - on Thursday, 24 and Saturday, 26 September.
The Artscape Heritage Festival will be on stage from Thursday, 27 August to Sunday, 27 September. Tickets are available from Computicket or Artscape Dial-a-Seat on 021 421 7695.
For more information, visit www.artscape.co.za. Alternatively connect with them on Twitter using the #AHF15 hashtag.